Understanding Vaginal Discharge

Hello everyone I hope this finds you all well and healthy today.

It seems that I've been hearing from many due to your concerns over vaginal discharge. Some of you have noticed changes, and are asking whether it is normal. Some of you have been on birth control or recently delivered babies, had tubal sterilization and are now off oral contraceptives after many years. Some of you just feel that there have been changes since you have matured.

The basic function of you vagina, besides sexual pleasure, is to provide a clean, functional route from the outside of your body to your uterus and the rest of your internal reproductive system. The natural acid PH of the vagina, acts to prevent infections. The acidic nature of your vagina is caused by natural, bacteria produced by your body called lactobacilli. This is the same bacteria found in yogurt culture and that is why we always hear about women drinking or douching with yogurt to help prevent or cure infection. Unfortunately, it doesn't work well in the vagina, but can help as a 'probiotic' in the intestinal tract. When your vagina is healthy, the vagina keeps itself clean. We always joke that it is like a self-cleaning oven; it stays in a healthy state by producing the secretions of normal vaginal discharge. Many things may disrupt the natural balance of the vagina.

First it’s important to understand that all women have vaginal discharge. Glands in your vaginal and cervix produce small amounts of fluid that flows out of your vagina everyday taking with it old cells that line the vagina. Your normal vaginal discharge helps to clean the vagina, as well as keep it lubricated and free from infection and other germs. A normal vaginal discharge does not have a foul odor and usually has no odor at all. Normal vaginal discharge often appears clear or milky when it dries on your clothing; occasionally you may notice white spots or a normal vaginal discharge that is thin or stringy looking. This is all normal, and the sticky, stringy discharge indicates that you are ovulating. So if you have been on the pill for a long time you may not have seen it for awhile as you would not ovulate on the pill. The appearance may change due to sexual excitement, breastfeeding, ovulation, or diet. The consistency of your vaginal discharge or how thin or thick it is can be affected by your menstrual cycle, emotional stress, pregnancy, any prescription or OTC medications including hormones such as in the pill.

Other things that can upset the natural pH balance of your vagina and lead to vaginal infections include vaginal douches, feminine hygiene products, perfumed or deodorant soaps, antibiotics, pregnancy, diabetes, or infections. So we can all see that it is a highly sensitive area affected by many things, some obvious and some we would not expect. For example, having a head cold can cause and increase in vaginal discharge, strange huh? It is no wonder that douching with perfumed or homemade solutions can cause such recurrent or chronic odors and discharge. Although you can buy the douches at the local drug store, it this does not mean they offer help.

Your menstrual cycle has a significant affect on the type of vaginal discharge you experience throughout the month. Did you know you’re more likely to experience vaginal infections just before or during your period? This is because the pH balance of your vagina rises during your monthly cycle causing the pH of your vagina to be at its’ highest point a few days before and during your period. About halfway between your periods an increase in vaginal discharge that appears mucousy, sticky, and stretchy is normal. As stated above, this type of vaginal discharge is an indication of ovulation.

You may identify abnormal vaginal discharge and infection from the following signs:
- Changes in color, consistency, or amount
- Constant, increased vaginal discharge
- Presence of itching, discomfort, or any rash
- Vaginal burning during urination
- The presence of blood when it’s not your period time
- Cottage cheese-like vaginal discharge
- A foul odor accompanied by yellowish, greenish, or grayish white vaginal discharge

You are probably are aware of these signs or may have had them at some point. I recommend that you would go see you Ob/Gyn or family doctor when this happens and not just self-treat, unless it is something that you have had before and have already been seen for it. Vaginal discharge and infections are common and your doctor is used to seeing all types, so your doctor and the nurse may put you at ease. The anticipation of going and thinking about it is always worse.

The most common vaginal infection is bacterial vaginosis, as well as vaginal yeast infections and trichomoniasis. The most troublesome problem for some women are those who have recurrent or ongoing vaginal odor for no reason. This is a major issue and very embarrassing as they never feel clean, even though it has NOTHING to do with cleanliness. It is not from an infection and can be caused from any of the above we've already addressed.

We are lucky because if you check the WaterWorks Website you will find a wonderful device that 1000's of women are using today for daily feminine hygeine purposes, cleanliness after sex, and because of the unique FDA cleared design has cured many women of their vaginal odor problems. So no more embarrassing odors to worry about during sex, what a relief!

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Strong Odor from Vaginal Discharge

Vaginal discharge is normal and it changes color and consistency throughout the month during the menstrual cycle. After our period it changes from thin and watery to thick and pasty, and during ovulation it becomes like mucous and very gooey, but not smelly or itchy.

It is naturally odorless and has the purpose of keeping the vagina clean and healthy. It fights off abnormal bacteria and supplies the perfect lubrication during sex. If we had no vaginal discharge, the vagina would feel dry and itchy (which is common in menopause or any times of hormone imbalance). Sex would be impossible or extremely painful because the vagina would not be able to stretch.

When vaginal discharge becomes odorous and itchy, it is usually caused from an imbalance of the vaginal pH. This change suppresses the healthy bacteria, called Lactobacillus, and it is unable to do its job of keeping the vagina clean and healthy. This imbalance causes an overgrowth of a variety of microorganisms such as yeast, bacteria and fungi - producing yeast and bacterial infections (BV). With these come odor and itching or burning.

Why does this happen? Many of us feel we did something wrong or we are dirty, so cleaning more will help. In fact, that will just make it worse - continuing the cycle of it feeling better for a day and then recurring, sometimes coming back even worse. Most of the time, excessive washing and douching is the cause of reoccurring infections and odors. Wearing tight or non-absorbent panties can also prevent healing.

Vaginal odor may also worsen after sex, due to the mixing of semen, sweat, and vaginal fluids. Semen has a neutral pH of 7.4, which is the same as period blood. But the vagina has to maintain a lower pH than that of the rest of our body - somewhere around 7.2 - in order to kill the abnormal bacteria that would cause infections and odor. The normal/'healthy' Lactobacillus vaginal bacteria, likes a lower pH. When semen is deposited into the vagina, the vaginal flora can be disrupted as the pH rises. It is this rise of pH that allows the yeast and abnormal bacteria to grow and overpower the Lactobacillus. Then, abnormal bacteria and yeast produce odor and irritation.

So make it a habit to jump out of bed after sex and rinse the semen out of the vagina with plain water only. Do not ever let soap get into your vagina, as it is very alkaline and can bring on recurrent infections and odor. Soap should only be used to wash your skin and the outer part of the vagina - the labia, and the anal area.

WaterWorks makes feminine hygiene easy. It is FDA cleared to help reduce vaginal odor. It is reusable and uses just ordinary tap water only. The unique design helps us easily rinse inside the vagina, and it can be used daily. Most women use it every day and have overcome their recurrent odor and discharge problems.

Water alone is better than anything to rinse the vagina. We should never use dilute vinegar, lemon juice or other chemicals. WaterWorks is designed with a stainless steel nozzle that is inserted into the vagina, causing a reaction as it comes in contact with the vaginal mucosa to facilitate the removal of vaginal odor.

I hope this helps you all have a better understanding of how our bodies work and what keeps us healthy.

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Is Vaginal Discharge Normal?

Our bodies are constantly changing. It seems like everything from aging and the food we eat can have a profound effect on a woman's body. Diseases that we have come to expect as we get older are becoming common in teens and pre-teens. It is hard to keep all of the information straight.

But, what can we trust in the media or on the Internet? You can find information to support your thinking on one website and then find another says the exact opposite. It hard to know what the truth is. Let's face it, we all like to be right. We enjoy finding information to support our long-held beliefs about our bodies (especially feminine hygiene) influenced by our mothers, friends and other female influences.

Today let's talk about one of those topics we all wonder about - vaginal discharge.

First, it's important to know that all women have vaginal discharge that can occasionally become itchy or have an odor. Many women will notice odor towards the end of their period and after intercourse. These odors are usually transient and last from an hour to a day or two. Vaginal odor that lasts longer and doesn't go away with normal bathing can become troublesome and embarrassing.

Frustration leads many of us to reach for drastic measures, like homemade concoctions to douche with that we've learned from others or looked up on the internet. Some of us still buy the pre-mixed douches at the corner drug store. Any of these may work temporarily, but to our disappointment the odor returns within hours. And, they can be dangerous!

Nothing, nothing, nothing is more embarrassing that the thought of your partner going down there when we smell. Even though many men have become accustomed to it and even joke about it (we've all heard those jokes - not funny when it's you.)

So if it's normal to have discharge that it odorous at times, is there anything that can be done about it? For some of us, it may require relearning and changing our feminine hygiene habits to keep the odor away.
The first things you should know are that: a) women shouldn't smell badly down there, and b) vaginal discharge is normal. Trying to get rid of discharge is akin to trying to stop making saliva or snot.

Discharge will change throughout the month. There are times when it will be thick and creamy, then sticky and gooey during ovulation, and also thin and watery, but never smelly.

The main bacteria in the vagina that acts as the guard to keep it healthy is lactobacillus, which is the same bacteria used in yogurt cultures. This bacteria keeps the yeast and abnormal bacteria that get into the vagina from over-growing and it maintains the low pH (acidic) vaginal environment. Plain yogurt does not smell nor does it have a bad taste. It should be the same with the vagina when the bacterial balance is intact.

So what causes the imbalance? Period blood is neutral pH and can, therefore, interfere with the acidic, healthy vaginal environment. Semen is also alkaline (basic) and very sugary, so sex can also disrupt the vaginal ecosystem's balance. This is why we notice odors with our periods and after sex.

If the odors remain, do not panic and DO NOT make up your own concoctions or buy a pre-mixed douche. You can shower 5 times a day and still notice the odor. Don't wash inside your vagina with soap either, as soap is alkaline and will worsen the problem. And don't try covering up the odor with lotions or feminine sprays. This won't work. Of course, washing the outside around your anus and labia, between all the creases and folds with mild soap and water is a necessary hygienic practice. But do not wash this way internally.

Good feminine hygiene is mandatory in keeping odor away and maintaining a healthy vagina. WaterWorks is the only FDA cleared method to prevent vaginal odor, with or without discharge. I know that for those of you who battle odor all the time it will come as a welcome relief. Many of you feel the odor means you are not clean when actually you are too clean and trying too hard.

WaterWorks is a simple way of keeping odor away and feeling fresh. It is a "green" product, as it is reusable and uses no chemicals. Many women use it every day when they shower or to rinse out semen and period blood. What a relief it is to stop struggling with feminine odor! To have confidence with your partner! To feel and smell fresh and clean!

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Can Foods Affect The Smell and Taste of Vaginal Discharge?

Here is one of those questions many women wonder about, but usually don't ask: Is it possible for the foods we eat to affect the way our vaginal discharge smells or tastes?

At different times in every woman’s cycle, hormonal changes can cause our vaginal secretions to change in taste from sweet to salty or sour. The consistency and smell can change as well. But the smell and taste should never be offensive.

The odor and taste can also be different when aroused, or when sweating (or both). Infections, like yeast or bacterial vaginosis, can also cause changes in odor, taste and/or consistency - usually causing offensive, strong odors.

The foods I hear about most in this regard are raw garlic, citrus fruits (particularly pineapple), strawberries, coffee, asparagus, as well as alcohol, nicotine and vitamins. You can experiment with dietary changes, but beyond that (and normal hygiene), there’s not much you can do. In the end, it’s important to remember that as long as you have a healthy vagina, free from infection, it’s not about making it better or worse. Each woman simply has her own unique taste and smell.

As long as we are on the topic of food, allow me to talk about some healthy dietary choices for women.
Many fish (especially fatty fish like salmon, sardines, and mackerel) are important in our diet because they are full of the omega-3 fatty acids, and specifically two types known as DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), also found in 'green fed' beef. Nutritionists know that green fed beef and dairy are some of the healthiest foods we can eat, as they contain enormous healing properties for the body. The best is raw and cultured dairy, rather than the homogenized, pasteurized and irradiated dairy products on the grocery shelf today - which are void of much nutrition and have been linked to disease.

Beans are a good source of protein/fiber and may have protective effects against heart disease and breast cancer. According to some nutritionists, beans may play a role in stabilizing female hormones. It has been shown that women who ingest a large number of beans, including peanuts, have a lower incidence of breast cancer. Beans are known as one of the best sources of both soluble and insoluble fiber. They can help lower cholesterol, and their high level of a nutrient known as isoflavone can help in the regulation of hormones and may aid with PMS, perimenopause, or menopause symptoms. Other sources include red clover, kudzu, mung beans, alfalfa sprouts, black cohosh, and chickpeas.

Tomatoes, watermelon, red grapefruit, and red navel oranges contain lycopene, which we have all been hearing about because of all its health benefits for the heart and protection against breast cancer. It can also possibly keep us looking younger longer by protecting against UV damage from the sun.

Vitamin D3 is also all over the news and in women's magazines - we hear about the epidemic deficiency that we are seeing in 75-80% of all women tested. Vitamin D3 is known as the "Sunshine Hormone" because it takes sunshine to convert Vitamin D to the active, essential form known as Vitamin D3 that is needed by our bodies to prevent disease. Of course, many of us are working indoors and spending less and less time outdoors. When we do go outside, we use sunscreen and clothing to protect against skin cancer. Vitamin D3 deficiency will prevent the bones from absorbing calcium from the gut causing osteoporosis and severe bone loss. Because it is such a powerful immune system-booster and vital in reducing the risk of diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and tumors of the breast, colon, and ovary, it is important that we recognize any lack of D3 and correct it. Women deficient in Vitamin D3 can have a depressed mood, lack of energy or severe fatigue, and be susceptible to more colds and flu viruses. It is amazing that recent studies are showing that maintaining adequate blood levels of Vitamin D3 has the potential to prevent up to one half of all breast, colon, and ovarian cancer in the United States!

While Vitamin D is found in salmon, mackerel, tuna, and sardines, it is also possible to take Vitamin D3 supplements and eat foods that are fortified with it.

Berries like blueberries, strawberries, raspberries and cranberries are some of the best foods, and similar to wine, in that they carry powerful anti-cancer nutrients known as anthocyans, which are believed to play a role in cell repair. In fact, research has shown anthocyans may decrease the risk of several cancers, including those in the breast and gastrointestinal tract.

These fruits are also very high in vitamin C and folic acid, which is essential for all women in their childbearing years. They also have cancer-fighting properties. They are packed with powerful antioxidants, which protect the heart by preventing the oxidation of cholesterol. They also keep the skin beautiful and youthful by protecting against aging. Cranberries may help reduce the risk of urinary tract infections in women, while the nutrient lutein, found in all the berries, can help protect vision.

The healthier you are, the better your body will function, and the more likely your vaginal secretions (and breath!) will smell and taste healthy.

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Vaginal Discharge and Menopause

Women get used to how our bodies function: when to expect our cycles, how much discharge we have, how discharge changes during the month - including its consistency and odor. So, if something changes, we are aware of it right away. Many woman come in to see me after being in menopause with no hormones for many years - so they have become used to vaginal dryness and lack of discharge. So it is alarming to them, or a bother to some, to wake up and see discharge on the toilet paper or in their panties. Women in menopause on hormones will have less dryness and more normal discharge.

Menopause brings hormonal imbalances that signal the end of fertility. Vaginal fluids decrease with the body’s loss of estrogen and progesterone (the two main female hormones that are produced by the ovaries). This decrease in hormones and vaginal discharge can make it extremely difficult to maintain a proper pH balance. The pH balance, as we have discussed in previous writings, is important to prevent vaginal odor, abnormal vaginal discharge, and yeast or bacterial infections. Lack of hormones can even cause an increase in bladder and kidney infections.

Where does discharge normally come from? There are mucus membranes in the vagina and cervix that create fluids daily. During sexual stimulation, breast-feeding, ovulation, and hormonal changes, vaginal discharge helps women to maintain reproductive health. Reproductive organs contain healthy bacteria, hormones, and acids that control the temperature, pH balance, and exact chemical environment for egg and sperm fertilization. Once menopause comes, a women's ovaries stop functioning normally and no longer make our female hormones and actually completely dry up. This causes our periods and ovulation to stop. Because we are no longer in need of this exact balance, the body’s chemistry changes abruptly.

Women can lose 80 to 90 percent of their estrogen and progesterone stores during menopause. These hormones control body temperature, mood, sleep patterns, energy levels, weight management, fluid maintenance, sex drive, and can cause bodily aches and pains. Vaginal discharge during this life change can exist alongside vaginal dryness. But, this vaginal discharge does not maintain moisture in the vagina. It is a chemical reaction resulting from shrinking vaginal walls and waning hormone levels - this is called atrophic vaginitis. Again, vaginal moisture and elasticity comes from hormone balance when our ovaries are functioning. Estrogen is the most important hormone in this process.

Of course, if the vaginal discharge during menopause is oddly colored, such as brown, light pink, or bloody, it can be a sign of other problems. This should definitely be checked out by your doctor, as it could be a sign of by polyps, fibroids, or even cancer.

No matter what, vaginal discharge is a normal process and women should avoid perfume sprays, powders, lotions, douching and other hygiene products, because they can create yeast and bacterial infections and lots of vaginal irritation. Let your vagina clean itself, as it is so good at doing. Use only mild soap on the outside around your vagina and labia and try WaterWorks if you have stubborn recurrent vaginal odor or just want to feel good about having a safe, FDA-cleared way of cleaning inside your vagina.

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Vaginal Discharge

You know, so many women are bothered by vaginal discharge and are often confused about what constitutes 'normal' changes.

A clear to whitish discharge from the vagina is normal and will fluctuate in consistency and amount throughout the menstrual cycle. It is actually a way by which your body gets rid of bacteria and dead cells in your vagina - keeping it clean and healthy. However, if you notice vaginal discharge that is unusual in color or odor, itching and burning in the vagina, or blood-stained discharge, it could indicate an infection or disease of the reproductive organs. Abnormal discharge always has an unusual odor or will cause swelling and itching in the vaginal area.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common in women and are caused by bacteria which are usually either transmitted from the sexual partner or from the woman's anal area. The first symptoms of a UTI can be abnormal vaginal discharge, pain with sex or urination, and urinary odor. Sometimes there will even be vaginal and urinary bleeding.

The majority of women know that a UTI can cause a burning sensation while voiding and a constant urge to urinate, although only a few drops may be produced. The urine is usually cloudy and often strong smelling, but few women associate their abnormal discharge with a UTI.

As a doctor seeing a woman present with all these symptoms, it is hard for me to know which came first, the vaginal infection or the urinary tract infection. So, after we talk, I will check vaginal cultures and send a urine sample for testing at the lab. Most UTI's are caused by a bacteria known as E.Coli that comes from our rectal and anal area (lucky us that everything is so close together down there), as it is easy for that bacteria to get in the bladder and vaginal area from intercourse, and floss-type panties.

If you find that you are getting more than your fair share of these type of infections, it is good to know that they can be avoided by drinking lots of water and cranberry juice. Cranberry juice acidifies the urine, and bacteria don't like that. Do not use feminine hygiene sprays or douches, as they can make it worse. Also, urinating right before and after sex is an important habit in helping prevent infection.

I hope the next time you have abnormal vaginal discharge and urinary pain/pressure, that this information will help you.

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Can WaterWorks Help With Vaginal Discharge in Addition to Vaginal Odor?

This week the question is:

“I know WaterWorks helps with vaginal odor, but I have a lot of discharge, will it help me with that too?”

It seems kind of funny, but problems with vaginal odor and discharge seem way too embarrassing to bring up over lunch with the girls, even though in my experience, based on what I hear safely behind closed exam room doors, it's one of the most common problems women have. Maybe it would be good to know that the women closest to us suffer too.

Because vaginal odor can be caused by an imbalance of the normal bacterial flora in the vagina, odor and discharge often go hand in hand. Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) and yeast infections can both be culprits of recurrent odor and discharge.

Unlike store bought douches which contain chemicals that can make the situation worse by destroying that normal ecosystem WaterWorks uses of only tap water for vaginal cleansing, so it can be used every time you shower without causing any adverse effects. In fact, by using WaterWorks, a healthy balance can be created as the abnormal discharge and bacteria are removed and normal vaginal pH can be restored.

This is best seen by using WaterWorks to rinse out semen after sex. What is really happening has to do with the composition of the semen, which is a sugary, alkaline substance created to protect the sperm from the acidic environment of the vagina. If not for this, the sperm would die on contact with the vagina and no one would ever get pregnant. After sex, semen remains inside and if you have sex again within a day or two, it gives the vagina no time to restore the normal flora that creates the acidic environment. Once this happens there can be persistent discharge and odor that reoccurs.

So back to the question as to whether WaterWorks helps to eliminate vaginal discharge with the odor, the answer is yes. We have many women writing in and telling us how much they love WaterWorks. The WaterWorks system is a reusable vaginal cleansing system that has been FDA cleared for vaginal odor and it is the reaction of the stainless steel nozzle end that is designed to comfortably insert into the vagina, with ordinary tap water that eliminates or reduces the unpleasant odor.

The unique design and gentle sprinkling action will rinse unwanted discharge and semen from the vagina and help facilitate the natural healing process of your own body. No chemicals and no medications. What a wonderful gift to every woman.

Oh, and just for the sake of any curious readers, I do not receive commission from any of the WaterWorks that are sold, so there is no monetary incentive for me in telling you about it. I was just so excited when I discovered WaterWorks and met the inventor, because now women had a natural way to combat feminine odor and discharge without having to use chemicals or medications. All natural. What could be better than this?

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Can Ovarian Cysts Cause Vaginal Discharge?

Vaginal discharge can be a perplexing problem. Especially when you know something has changed, but all your tests at the doctor's office are negative for an infection. It's not always explained or even obvious why we are having changes, and most of the time the symptoms come and go - so it can be confusing.

Many women know that ovarian cysts can cause pain but do not realize that they can cause all sorts of other symptoms. Not sure why you're having low pelvic pain and pressure? Suffering an increase in vaginal discharge? Maybe you are experiencing symptoms of ovarian cysts.

Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs on the ovary that are a result of ovulation. Each month, a woman produces many follicles, which are fluid-filled cysts that the egg matures in. These (and most ovarian cysts) are benign and harmless. Most cysts are a direct result of ovulation, and therefore very common. Thankfully, most cysts resolve themselves without intervention.

Once a single ovarian follicle ruptures and "pops" out the egg, all the rest of the maturing follicles from that cycle should shrink back and dissolve. But, sometimes one or more do not do this and, in fact, they keep growing. They have been known to get larger than a baseball! If this ruptures, it can cause internal bleeding and extreme pain. When a cyst ruptures, the pain can be so severe that many women pass out.

Most women will have an ovarian cyst at some point, but won't even know it exists because most of them are painless. They simply swell up, then leak the fluid back into your bloodstream on their own. There are other types of benign cyst that occur but it is impossible to know whether a cyst is benign or cancerous by how you feel. That is why it is important to see your doctor for blood tests and an ultrasound to determine if it needs to be removed or has malignant qualities.

The following symptoms could indicate the presence of ovarian cysts:

• Constant pain. Take note of when you experience pain. Is it cyclical? Are you experiencing pain during the first half of your menstrual cycle, but it goes away just after the time you should be ovulating? If so, you may have a follicular cyst, which is considered a harmless, functional cyst. Do you experience pain in the latter half of your cycle? You may have a corpus luteum cyst, which is also related to ovulation, is also benign and is considered functional. But, if the pain is persistent and not cyclical, it's a good idea to get it checked out sooner rather than later.

• Both benign and malignant cysts can grow to be very large. They may place pressure on internal organs and cause you discomfort and pain with sex.

• Larger cysts can also place pressure on your bladder or colon. This leads to frequent trips to the bathroom. Large cysts can also obstruct the colon, causing narrow stools. Hormone-producing cysts can cause an increase in vaginal discharge and menstrual irregularities, such as spotting. Because cysts sit very close to the opening of the fallopian tube, they can discharge blood or fluid as they drain, and it will run down through the intrauterine cavity, through the cervix and into the vagina.

Most ovarian cysts resolve on their own with little or no pain and will go undetected. But it is always best to have your doctor check you if you are having any of these symptoms. Vaginal discharge can disrupt the normal vaginal flora and actually bring on more bacterial and yeast infections. WaterWorks is a great system to use to maintain feminine hygiene and clear any abnormal discharge or odor. It works best when added to you regular hygiene regime and used at least 3-4 times a week.

I hope this helps you understand your body better. Take care and be safe. Thanks for all your questions. It helps others when you ask your questions, because we are all learning and experiencing the same things.

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Can I Use WaterWorks to "Clean Up" After Sex?

A great question came this week from JMW. She has noticed that after having sex with her husband, she 'leaks' his semen for a day or two, and wondered if using WaterWorks after vaginal intercourse would stop this from happening. She also wondered how long it take for the water to drain out of your vagina after using WaterWorks. I'm assuming the last part comes from a worry that water, instead of semen, would 'leak' out for a day or two.

Your question is one of concern for so many women, and one that I am asked quite often. Women tell me that even bathing or showering after sex doesn't seem to help. After awhile, it's hard to know if the “leaking” is still semen, or perhaps the beginnings of an infection. How many of you have experienced this? WaterWorks is a perfect way to clean-up after vaginal sex. With proper cleaning between use, WaterWorks is designed to be used time and time again, so you don't have to keep spending money once you've purchased it. Plus it uses only plain tap water; no chemicals and no special solutions.

It is the design of the stainless steel nozzle that makes WaterWorks unique. The reaction of stainless steel and water with the vaginal mucosa removes any odors. Also, because it gently sprinkles water in a downward direction within the vagina (no high pressure or shooting action), the water drains out immediately. So, it will rinse out the semen or any vaginal discharge with no 'leaking' after use. WaterWorks can be used daily with no side effects.

We know from our previous answers that it is important for the vagina to maintain a low pH to stay healthy and keep yeast and bacterial infections away. That is why hygiene after vaginal sex is so important. It is important to rinse the semen out as soon as possible as it has a higher pH. The longer it stays in the vagina, the more likely it is to cause unusual vaginal odors, and destroy the delicate vaginal environment that keeps infections away.

You may be interested to learn that the vagina does not go straight up vertically. When a woman stands upright, the vagina actually lies in a slanted, horizontal plane; it goes up, in, and back towards your tailbone and this is why it takes so long for semen to drain out. Also, semen and discharge are thicker than water, and therefore take longer to drain out

One of the top uses for WaterWorks is to help with daily hygiene, especially rinsing out semen after vaginal intercourse. And with WaterWorks this can be done safely without disrupting the vagina's own defense like douching does. Don’t forget, douching with traditional disposable douches can actually create an environment that can lead to yeast and bacterial infections. So I hope this answers your question. I hope you are all having a great summer! It is hot, hot here in the Southwest, but lots of blue sky and sunshine.

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Is It Normal to Have Vaginal Discharge?

Vaginal discharge is the one thing, other than the menstrual cycle, that women notice and use to judge wellness in their bodies. If your cycles are regular and on time, and your vaginal discharge is normal, you feel your body is healthy, right? But, if a woman starts skipping her cycles or having too many cycles or bleeding heavily, she knows something is not right with her body. Okay.

Still, so many of you come in (most of you for other female problems) and I find out that you are constantly dealing with abnormal vaginal discharge or odor. You and your partner feel it is just 'normal' for women to have a fishy or strong odor all the time. Isn't that what all those tuna fish and fisherman's wharf jokes are all about? Men know it, and they talk about it, and think that's just the way it is – so, just grin and bear it.

Women don't know what to do. It's embarrassing, right? Three showers a day, and you still worry if everyone else can smell you. You can't wash it away, and that SUCKS because you know he's going to smell you during sex. But feminine sprays, lotion or soap and water do not help.

It is normal to have vaginal discharge. Some women produce more vaginal discharge than other women, and this is due to hormonal fluctuations. Teenagers and pregnant women both have higher than normal hormone levels which causes an increase in vaginal discharge. Women who are dry and lack discharge may have low hormone levels, like in menopause or during breastfeeding. You may also notice changes in the amount of vaginal discharge, changes in its consistency, (thick, thin, watery, sticky), and sometimes find it necessary to wear a pad or panty liner. Birth control pills will change vaginal discharge because it balances the female hormones and is a good therapy for women who feel too 'wet' all the time.

But, no matter the amount or consistency of discharge, it should never have a foul or fishy odor. At times, discharge may have a slight odor, due to hormonal changes during the month or during the final day of your cycle – due to pH changes from the menstrual blood. Normal discharge should not be accompanied by pain, itching, burning or redness.

Vaginal discharge is very important to the female reproductive system. Fluid made by glands inside the vagina and cervix carries away dead cells and bacteria. This keeps the vagina clean and helps prevent infection. A change in your normal vaginal discharge may be a symptom of a vaginal infection.

Most of the time, vaginal discharge is perfectly normal. The amount can vary, as can the odor, and the color can range from clear to a milky whitish, depending on the time of your cycle.

Important things to watch for to determine if there is an infection include the length of time you have had the abnormal discharge, the color/odor of the discharge and the presence of any itching, pain, or burning in or around the vagina. Different infections present with different types of discharge and symptoms:

• Chlamydia and gonorrhea are obvious, as there is a copious amount of cloudy, yellowish discharge, sort of like having a period of discharge, with an awful odor that is so different from the normal everyday discharge that it can alarm most women. In addition, they can cause urinary incontinence, painful sex, severe pelvic pain, bleeding and irregular cycles if not treated quickly. Also, they can be the cause of PID (pelvic inflammatory disease) which can cause severe illness, fevers, blockage of fallopian tubes and eventually lead to infertility.
• Trichamonas is a parasitic infection typically contracted and caused by having unprotected sex, with grayish frothy discharge.
• Yeast Infections can have two kinds of discharge: either thick and clumpy like cottage cheese or thin, whitish discharge that causes intense itching and swelling.

Infections require medicated vaginal creams or antibiotic medications, but here are some tips for preventing vaginal infections that can lead to abnormal discharge:

• Keep the outer vagina area clean by washing regularly with a gentle, mild soap and warm water. DO NOT WASH INSIDE THE VAGINA WITH SOAP. Never use scented soaps, feminine products or douche. Also avoid feminine sprays and bubble baths.
• After using the restroom, always wipe from front to back to prevent bacteria from getting into the vagina and causing an infection. It is a good idea to have baby wipes or other 'wet' wipes near the toilet as they work much better than toilet paper for feminine cleansing.
• Try to wear 100% cotton underpants; switch off wearing floss panties and regular panties; and avoid overly tight clothing all the time.

We are lucky enough to have WaterWorks, which is FDA cleared for feminine cleansing and to reduce vaginal odor problems. Everyone loves this, as it functions just like a douche, but isn't. It is made of medical grade stainless steel and uses no chemicals (only plain tap water) and it can safely remove vaginal odor with the first use.

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What changes in my discharge may be signs of a problem?

Vaginal discharge changes can be a sign of overall health in some women, and changes should never be ignored. Many of you come to me on a weekly or monthly basis with these concerns, and it can be confusing when the symptoms overlap and recur again and again.

It is because the symptoms can be subtle and overlap, that it is important for every woman to be aware of what is normal for her. Emotional stress and sexual excitement can cause changes in vaginal discharge. With sexual excitement it can become heavier or change in consistency, and with stress it may even decrease causing vaginal dryness.

Ovulation, as we've discussed previously, can thicken discharge to the consistency of eggwhites, which can alarm some women. This is a change for someone who has been on hormonal birth control that prevents ovulation, as they will not experience a change in discharge, as birth control prevents ovulation. These women experience a mild, odorless, thin discharge throughout the menstrual cycle.

Some of the first signs of a problem that could be pointing to abnormal vaginal discharge are usually color or irregular bleeding episodes. Most women will notice a dark yellow or greenish color, or darkish brown, and some will notice a change in consistency and amount.These changes may show an abundance of thick or watery-frothy discharge, or thick, sticky, cottage cheese-like, odorous discharge.

With vaginal infections, the discharge becomes constant and can cause discomfort, itching, burning, and rashes or bumps on the inner and outer areas of the genital and anal region. Some infections can get into the urinary tract and cause burning during urination, or the burning can be caused by external irritation around the urethra.

Some of these infections can become very serious if left untreated, and can progress further up into the uterus and fallopian tubes causing infertility . When this happens women can have severe pain, fevers and form pelvic abscesses. It is important to see your Doctor and get the appropriate care at this time to prevent severe illness or infertility consequences.

Douching with over-the-counter products is not recommended as a self -treatment for infection. Douching can force the infection upwards through the cervix and into the uterus and tubes, spreading the infection and making it worse.

Those who have the WaterWorks vaginal cleansing system, however, can use it as directed. WaterWorks uses only plain tap water uses a gentle sprinkling action to cleanse and rinse this area and does not force or push water or chemicals up into the vagina.

It is important to know and understand how your body works so you can be aware of any changes that occur. Then if there are any changes, see you doctor and get checked for infection. And don’t be afraid to ask. If you need more information on the WaterWorks system that is helping so many women go to: WaterWorksHealth.com.

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Vaginal Discharge: What is Normal and What is Not?

Vaginal discharge in women is normal,and what is normal changes throughout a woman's menstrual cycle, pregnancy,and a woman's lifetime. Thankfully we will be covering this topic in detail for all of you over the next several weeks.

As a woman and a physician I think it is so important for each of you to get to know your own bodies and how it functions. As your body cycles through the month, the change in hormones that cause ovulation and allows for menstruation, also will change the consistency and amount of vaginal discharge. After our menstrual cycle ends, women will notice a thick, creamy whitish discharge for the next week. This is normal and should not have an odor or cause itching, burning or any type of vaginal pain or irritation.

With ovulation comes a clear, sticky discharge that is very distinct in that it can look and feel like a stringy mucous. For fertility purposes,this discharge can be graded in its stretchability. This has a name called 'spinnbarkeit'. The better it stretches, the more likely is ovulation and fertility! Once ovulation has ended, (about 72 hrs) then the vaginal discharge will become clear and watery due to the post-ovulation progesterone effect as the egg passes from the body. Some women can also have a transient change in odor.

In menopause women will have a reduction of female hormones and this causes a decrease in vaginal discharge. Pregnancy, because there is such an increase in estrogen (the primary female hormone), will significantly increase vaginal discharge.

If you can begin to trust and understand how your body functions normally, then it will be easier for you to know what it means when you see changes. When there is abnormal discharge, the change will be significant.

Sometimes there will be an abnormal amount of discharge and the color may change to yellow, green, brownish, gray or may have some blood in it, that is not associated with menses. Also abnormal discharge is usually accompanied by an unusual odor that
causes distress. This is because it is usually associated with infection.

So, I hope this helps you to begin to understand your body better as a woman. Normal discharge is usually clear or white and rarely has an odor. It is normal to have vaginal discharge.

All women have it, just be aware of any changes and don't be afraid to ask questions.

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Post-Menopausal Bleeding

How is everyone this week? Hasn't it just been so exciting with everyone decorating for the holidays. To me, it just makes usual places look so cheery and welcoming. I recieved a really good question this week from one of my readers, and I know it is something that many of us women struggle with.
Dear KnowYourV,   I am 54 yrs old and have not had regular periods for 4 yrs and know that I have been told I am in menopause. I also have diabetes, high blood pressure (HTN), Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and high cholesterol all of which are now under control, and I have recently lost 28 pounds since August.
About a month ago, I had a bad episode of constipation which caused me to strain too hard and I even tried to help it by trying to pull my butt cheeks apart. Afterwards, I noticed I started spotting and have cramping and pressure for the past four weeks.

I did see my internist as my appointment with my gyn was a few weeks out. My internist checked to make sure I had no tears and that my labs were all normal but I left feeling very confused and scared. I felt like because I was menopausal the only answer he had for me was uterine cancer -- post-menopausal bleeding is cancer.

My dad's sister died of it at age 28 when I was very young, and all my mom can remember is she had very heavy bleeding. Now I'm so scared, and upset I don't know if you can help calm me down until I get to my gynecologist.

I read your bio and I noted that you are involved in church, so maybe as one believer to another you could help me.

-Liz

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Well, menopause is an extremely difficult time, and many women feel very different due to the hormone changes. The missing periods can make some women feel healthier but some say they miss their monthly cycles because they felt like their bodies functioned better with them. It may be the hormone changes, not the actual periods that are making them feel less than optimal.
Some feel a worsening of their health due to weight gain and hormone imbalance that lowers the metabolism. This can cause fatigue, constipation, IBS, sleeplessness, body aches, emotional up and downs, anxiety and other symptoms.

All the sudden changes can worsen health and existing medical illnesses like diabetes, high cholesterol, and hypertension.

This is one of the best times to take a proactive part in your health, and like Liz, work on losing weight and dietary changes, because everything we do now will just make the years ahead so much easier. Many women have seen improvements in their menopause symptoms, blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes with weight loss and a healthy diet. I know a lot of you already know this, so keep up the good work!

Constipation seems to be a lifelong problem for many women due to hormone changes we experience with our monthly cycles or during and after childbirth and also menopause. But constipation can also have a mechanical component due to weakness of the muscles between the rectum and vagina. This is found commonly as the pelvic floor muscles can be damaged during childbirth or due to aging and gravity . If this has happened, it can make it very difficult to push out your bowel movements. This is called a rectocele, and requires surgery to correct it, so it is something to be discussed with a gynecologist.

Post-menopausal bleeding can be very alarming and definitely needs to be evaluated by a doctor.

Uterine or endometrial cancer usually happens in post-menopausal women over aged 50. It is usually diagnosed very early as the symptoms are bleeding after menopause. Risk factors include diabetes, weight changes and family history. It is usually treated and cured by doing a hysterectomy and rarely requires radiation or chemotherapy.

Estrogen can thicken the lining of the uterus and when there are no periods or other hormones to oppose the estrogen to thin the lining or release it as a period, it can result in abnormal bleeding or spotting. This does not mean cancer just because there is bleeding, and that's why getting the proper tests is so important.

Sometimes cervical cancer will be confused with uterine cancer as the cervix is part of the uterus. However, cervical cancer is not passed through genetics; it is caused by HPV. Unlike endometrial cancer, cervical cancer cure rates are low and do require radiation and chemotherapy.

Now if a pap smear has been normal, and that's how cervical cancer is diagnosed, then that's good! So why all the spotting? Well, hormone imbalance during menopause can make spotting and bleeding happen now and then, and then just suddenly stop. If this becomes too frequent and tests have been done that have verified that there is no cancer, then this can be corrected with hormones or a procedure called an endometrial ablation.

Sometimes there are other conditions that can cause post-menopausal bleeding, like uterine fibroid or polyps, ovarian cysts and other pelvic cancers like ovarian, anal rectal or bladder cancer. If any test or ultrasounds point to these then they should be followed up.

Of course, any potential endometrial cancer should be discussed with a gynecologist for proper testing. Usually the tests are very simple and can be done in the office, like an endometrial biopsy or an ultrasound. Endometrial cancer causes very heavy bleeding, not just spotting -- soaking through tampons and 2-3 pads in an hour. But whether spotting or bleeding, it needs to be checked by a doctor.

I know there is so much more we could say on this subject. So let me hear from you if you have any questions or something on your mind.

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